Summary:The 12th full-length studio release for the alt-country/southern rock band was recorded in Memphis with Matt Ross-Spang and producer David Barbe.
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Record Label:ATO
Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Country-Rock, Southern Rock
DBT sounds like it’s just getting re-started on its 12th studio album, “The Unraveling” (ATO). ... Even better are the songs that describe the emotional toll behind those headline-making, stomach-churning issues.
This album is especially personal.” Not only that, strikingly, while not a quantum leap, it’s a major step forward in lyrical and musical intensity from its predecessor.
The Unraveling is a dire yet vivid depiction of the American zeitgeist at a crucial time in the nation's history, and a decisive collection of songs these musicians clearly wish they didn't have to write.
Although The Unraveling is a strong album thematically, songwriters Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley do little to push these songs forward sonically, as tracks like the Replacements-lite "Heroin Again" and the nightclub crooner "Grievance Merchants" can attest. Nevertheless, on The Unraveling, Drive-By Truckers deliver another socially charged to-the-bone manifesto that sticks closely to their newfound credo: If the country's still broke, keep trying to fix it.
One of the most cohesive records DBT has released. Many of these songs have been getting the live workout for the better part of a year, butOne of the most cohesive records DBT has released. Many of these songs have been getting the live workout for the better part of a year, but these studio versions feel definitive. Echoes of mid-70s (and early 90s) era Neil Young (on the droning eight minute closer 'Awaiting Resurrection') sit alongside string-tinged delicate songs ('Rosemary With a Bible and a Gun') and guitar-driven stompers ('Slow Ride Argument' and 'Armageddon's Back In Town') that would have been at home on 'A Blessing and a Curse'. Hood's contributions far outnumber Cooley's, but 'Grievance Merchants' is as earnest and angry a song as the latter's ever written. 'The Unraveling' is not a feel-good album (a few seconds-long bursts of perfectly-phrased optimism withstanding), but it the absolute right record for times like these.…Expand
Like a modern-day "Born in the USA", DBT's latest works within the familiar trappings of their country-lite heartland rock sound to deliver aLike a modern-day "Born in the USA", DBT's latest works within the familiar trappings of their country-lite heartland rock sound to deliver a scathingly engrossing critique on the sociopolitical state of a country they - and many of us as well - scarcely recognize as their own anymore.
Choice Cuts: "Thoughts and Prayers", "Heroin Again", "Babies in Cages"…Expand
Because the nation is so politically divided, and because this album is so clearly an indictment against Trump's America, we can expect halfBecause the nation is so politically divided, and because this album is so clearly an indictment against Trump's America, we can expect half of user reviews to be bad. However, if you admire DBT's drift toward progressive politics (or at least now they're more overt about it) that won't be a problem for you.
When one of my favorite bands has been around for over 20 years, and they haven’t made a truly great album in 10, I basically just hope to capture a handful of great songs on a good album. Which is more than we have here. This is an excellent album.
Trump’s America certainly provides lyrical inspiration, and however it’s the infusion of some new sounds to their repertoire that create some standout tracks. Notably, Mike Cooley’s hard rockin “Slow Ride Argument,” with its atypical – for DBTs – layered vocals over one of their best hooks in years. Then there’s Patterson Hood’s “Thoughts and Prayers”, with seething vocal anger to match our frustration with useless thoughts and prayers offered after mass shootings. “21 Century USA” is almost too much on the nose, as Hood literally name checks the stores and restaurants “just like any town anywhere,” yet it works great, and it’s a lovely country-rock tune with a memorable melody. America is lucky to have the Drive-By Truckers still putting out good to great albums.…Expand
They used to tell stories with their songs. It wasn't preachy, but gave you a window into a different point of view. It's what made them oneThey used to tell stories with their songs. It wasn't preachy, but gave you a window into a different point of view. It's what made them one of my favorite bands since the early 2000s...even since Southern Rock Opera.
New stuff just kind of repeats well-worn media talking points and protest sign slogans. Just kind of a boring album both lyrically and musically. It bores me in the same way that simplistic, jingoistic country music bores me. The other side of the same coin. I'm personally bummed about the new direction, but doesn't change how much I love the old stuff. Hope they keep doing what makes them happy.…Expand
Stopped listening to album mid way through second track - ‚make money‘.. although the 15 minute repetition of 4 chords in ‚shopify’ wasStopped listening to album mid way through second track - ‚make money‘.. although the 15 minute repetition of 4 chords in ‚shopify’ was tolerable the second track with its variable presentation of a simple melody took the biscuit…Expand
This is not a good album. The politics is just too much and the songs are poor. I usually buy DBT albums for the Cooley songs and there areThis is not a good album. The politics is just too much and the songs are poor. I usually buy DBT albums for the Cooley songs and there are only 2 here. What has happened to this once great band? Very disappointing.…Expand
This album is what happens when a band gets woke and forgets about fun. A hollow, boring album both musically and lyrically. Did the DNC writeThis album is what happens when a band gets woke and forgets about fun. A hollow, boring album both musically and lyrically. Did the DNC write these songs for them? How unoriginal. I will always have a place for them in my heart, but this album is trash.…Expand
